IRS Urges Taxpayers to Stay Vigilant as New Tax Scams Emerge
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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is warning taxpayers and charities of several new and ongoing tax scams. Fraudsters often take advantage of people during disasters or other situations that may make them more vulnerable, and the COVID-19 pandemic is no exception.
“Especially during these uncertain times, it’s vital for everyone to remain vigilant against fraud, identity theft, scams and schemes,” said IRS Director of Exempt Organizations and Government Entities, Margaret Von Lienen. “Cybercriminals are always on the lookout for new opportunities, and COVID-19 is just one more chance to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals and charities.”
From phishing to fake payments, here are a few types of scams to look out for:
COVID-related text scam
Post-disaster scams
Fake COVID-19 treatments and aid
Fake charities
Phishing
Threatening impersonator phone calls
Social media scams
Economic Impact Payment theft
Senior fraud
Scams targeting non-English speakers
Unscrupulous tax return preparer
Offer in compromise mills
Fake payments with repayment demands
Payroll and HR scams
Ransomware
Learn more about these scams in the IRS’ annual “Dirty Dozens” tax scams list. And follow these IRS tips to help spot common tax scams.
Scott Berger, CPA, is a Entrepreneurial Services Principal at Kaufman Rossin, one of the Top 100 CPA and advisory firms in the U.S.
